The focus of the therapy is on how you are thinking (your “cognitions”), behaving, and communicating today, rather than on your early childhood experiences. CBT helps you learn a number of self-help strategies, to assist you to maintain your improvements after the therapy has been completed.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that CBT is as effective as medication for depression, anxiety, obsessions and other fears.

How will I be assessed/evaluated?

When you begin CBT, your therapist will ask you to fill our several self-report forms that assess a range of symptoms and problems. Information will also be obtained through an initial clinical interview. The purpose of this assessment is to enable your therapist to gather as much information on you as possible and to assist them to learn what kinds of problems you do (or do not) have and extent of your problems.

How will I know what will be the focus of the therapy?

You and your therapist will work together to develop a plan of therapy. This might include how often you need to come, your goals, the relevance of medication and other factors.

What are the sessions like?

Unlike some other forms of therapy, CBT sessions are structured. You and your therapist will set an agenda for each meeting and this might include: a review of your experience of the previous session, your homework, one or two current problems, a review of what you have accomplished in this session, and homework for the next session. The goal is to solve problems, not just complain about them.

Do I have to complete the self-help homework?

Yes. What you learn in therapy is what you practice outside of the therapy on your own. Similar to if you went to a personal trainer at a health club whereby they would set the program and you would be expected to follow this program when the trainer is not there. Research suggests that those who carry out homework assignments, often get better faster and stay better longer. Self-help homework might include monitoring your moods, thoughts and behaviours, scheduling activities, collecting evidence, communicating with others and other assignments.

How will I know if I’m getting better?

You and your therapist can identify specific goals at the beginning of therapy- and you can modify these goals as you continue. Then you can evaluate whether you are becoming less depressed, anxious, angry or the like. You should feel free to give your therapist feedback on your progress (as it is important for them to figure out what works and doesn’t work).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets it name from one of its core messages: accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life.

The aim of ACT is to maximise human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life. ACT (which is pronounced as the word ‘act’, not as the initials) does this by:

a) teaching you psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings effectively – in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you (these are known as mindfulness skills).

b) helping you to clarify what is truly important and meaningful to you – i.e your values – then use that knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate you to change your life for the better

They use scientific methods to study the factors that influence the way that people think, feel and learn, and evidence-based strategies and interventions to help people to overcome challenges and improve their performance.

Many psychologists work directly with those experiencing difficulties, such as mental health disorders including anxiety and depression.

They help people to overcome relationship problems, eating disorders, learning problems, substance abuse, parenting issues, or to manage the effects of a chronic illness.

Common settings in which psychologists work to assess, diagnose, treat or prevent problems include schools, hospitals, courts, community health services, prisons, the defence forces and private practice.

Psychologists can work at an individual, group or organisational level and their ability to positively influence human behaviour is called on by businesses, market research companies, and consulting firms

No. If you are a current client and have made an appointment and you need to reschedule, you will need to contact us on 0413 819 558 or Reception at reception@pureempowerment.com.auto cancel your appointment.